“World Brain Day is on July 22, 2020. This year, we are excited to announce that the World Federation of Neurology (WFN) is partnering with the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society to raise awareness for Parkinson’s disease.
There are more than 7 million people of all age groups with Parkinson’s disease worldwide, and the illness affects many more than this number through its impact on families and caregivers” says Prof. William Carroll, WFN President.
The brain is the most complex organ in a human body, consisting of several nerves working together to make our body function properly. Every year on 22nd July, the World Federation of Neurology (WFN) hosts World Brain Day, jointly with other partner organizations. They focus on a new topic each year and create awareness about it. It was suggested by the Public Awareness and Advocacy Committee that 22 July 2014 should be celebrated as “World Brain Day”.
More than 7 million people in the world are living with Parkinson’s Disease.
What actually is Parkinson’s Disease?
It is the second most common neurological condition after Alzheimer’s. The Parkinson’s Foundation says, “Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects predominantly dopamine-producing (“dopaminergic”) neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra.” Any person suffering from this disease usually develops or advances with the symptoms over the years. The cause of this disease still remains unknown. The medication available slows down the advancing of the symptoms, however, research is still going on to find an exact cure and treatment for the disease.
Here are some of the symptoms as stated by the National Institute on Ageing:
- Tremor (trembling) in hands, arms, legs, jaw, or head
- Stiffness of the limbs and trunk
- Slowness of movement
- Impaired balance and coordination, sometimes leading to falls
Other symptoms may include
- Depression
- Difficulty in swallowing or chewing
- Difficulty in speaking
- Urinary problems or constipation
- Skin problems
- Sleep disruptions
As the disease advances, a person may tend to lean forward or even the movements of hands and legs may become restricted.
Parkinson's Disease is more common in the elderly and most men are affected by it more than women. Research is still going on why it is more in men.
COVID-19 and Brain
While living with a pandemic situation this year, the novel coronavirus has also shown to affect our brain along with many other wide range of symptoms. According to the WFN, “When it comes to the brain and nerves, the virus appears to have four main sets of effects:
- A confused state, sometimes with psychosis and memory disturbance
- Inflammation of the brain
- Blood clots, leading to stroke (including in younger patients)
- Potential damage to the nerves in the body, causing pain and numbness
To date, the patterns of these effects seem similar across the world. Some of these illnesses are fatal and, for those who survive, many will bear long-term consequences.”
Keep Your Brain Healthy
As one age, the brain tends to develop certain brain disorders. Here are some of the ways in which you can keep your brain healthy:
- Not just physical, but mental exercises are important. Try solving puzzles, crosswords, sudoku, etc. that involves using your brain.
- Head injuries can lead to severe brain conditions and therefore, protecting your head is important. Wear a helmet and drive safely.
- Meditate to relax your mind and have proper sleep hygiene.
- Smoking is injurious to health and can cause cognitive decline.
- Practice a healthy diet, including all the necessary nutrients, and avoid the consumption of alcohol.
“A healthy mind lies in a healthy body”. Therefore, mental fitness and physical fitness are equally important. Awareness about brain functions and how your lifestyle can lead to several brain disorders should be known.
